David Wondrich

I was a bartender during college and still love the history of cocktails. I've seen many cocktail books over the years, some of which are better coffee table books than recipe books and some of which provide recipes but nothing else. This book provides both impeccable recipes and an interesting discussion and history lesson as to each drink, all in a relatively slim package. Wondrich's book is probably the best cocktail book I've ever seen and includes some worthy cocktails I'd never even head of, when I thought I'd heard of them all by now. This book is both informative and usable and I can't recommend it highly enough, whether you're already a well-informed cocktailian or an introductory reader.… (mer)

I am interested in American pop music, and particularly the African-American stream that contributed to it. This is why I picked up Stomp and Swerve: American Music Gets Hot, 1843-1924 written by David Wondrich.

As an exploration of the development of minstrel music (by both blacks and whites), ragtime, jazz and blues; and how these eventually prevailed over the tamer American music of sentimental waltzs and parlor ballads is fascinating. A big plus is that the author cites by catalogue number the early recorded music, and its availability in CD anthologies. In these respects the book is excellent.

Now comes the "however," and it is directed to the author's writing style - which reads as if it were the product of adolescent testosterone or too much booze, or both. The ultimate effect I can only characterize as "cutsie hip," screaming look at me, me, me the totally knows-everything Mr. Cool, and relying heavily on often unnecessary terminology and neologisms for that effect. In fact, his entire style is effect, and it worked strongly against the presentation of content for me. Wondrich's authorial personality finally overwhelmed me about two-thirds of the way through and I gave the book a two week rest. I came back to it reluctantly - but I have to say, the content was too good to miss; and alternately I ploughed and raced through to the end.

The author writes books on "cocktails" the cover copy says, and you would never convince me that he hadn't had too many of said drinks before each session writing this book. A very big drawback, but if you are interested in African-American music and the origins of U.S. pop, take a deep breath and dive in, because on that level it is worth the pain.… (mer)